“We’re in Bangkok,” Janella and I marvel, despite the dispiriting fact of her missing backpack. Still, it’s hard to actually believe we’re in Bangkok since we’ve seen nothing, driving to the hotel in pitch darkness. We’re staying relatively close to the airport, in a neighborhood of narrow streets and 3-story homes that are both private residences and other small airport hotels. There are a few exotic sights -- small temples erected in people’s back yards -- and what looks like a large temple but is more likely a gaudy theme-style hotel, but, really, we could be just about anywhere.
In the van to the airport, we meet a German traveler who’s just returning home after 2 weeks in Laos. It was spectacular, he tells us. Not touristy. Beautiful. Inexpensive. Janella and I are envious. When he hears about her missing bag he tells us that it took him 7 weeks to get his suitcase back when it went missing on an earlier Asian trip. We don’t like the sound of this, but we cheer up when we get to the airport where we're greeted by a gynormous photo of the Thai royal family. We are on an adventure, after all.
They say the Bangkok airport is a good one, and we agree. It’s modern, filled with stores and restaurants, and very photogenic minature temples, architectural replicas and statues showing scenes from Thai mythology. Lots of photo ops, and we take advantage. We’re also charmed by the colorful interior decor at the Thai Airways jet that will take us to Nepal - the seats are pink, gold and purple - and we approve of the food, which is better than most airplane fare. Lost backpack aside, we land in Kathmandu in good spirits…
…. Until, as we go through immigration, Janella is told by officials that her passport is invalid.
WTH?
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